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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

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a calm demeanor
a cool demeanor
a placid demeanor
a tranquil demeanor
a peaceful demeanor
a relaxed demeanor
calm determination
quiet determination
cool determination
stoic determination
placid determination
tranquil determination
calm dignity
quiet dignity
serene dignity
tranquil dignity
placid dignity
gentle dignity
calm wind
gentle wind
soft wind
mild wind
light wind

Synonym Chooser

How is the word calm different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Examples of calm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
With Watches and Wonders as well as the spring auction season behind us, the watch market is calm and steady. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2024 The hero ingredient is resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant proven to protect skin and calm inflammation. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2024
Noun
Whether or not O’Connor can keep his calm during the final half of the Vuelta only adds to the intrigue. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024 Otherwise, the shock waves of your explosion could level coworkers or loved ones who happen to be in the vicinity when the shell of your calm, collected surface finally cracks. Jennifer Culp, Them, 9 Aug. 2024
Verb
That’s calmed down, with traders pricing in a nearly 75% odds of a traditional quarter-point reduction. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2024 This fragrance-free cream offers just that with a blend of allantoin, shea butter, and sodium PCA, which work together to calm redness and bolster the moisture barrier. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calm 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near calm

Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

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